In 2013, something magical happened at a local beer festival that caught the attention of Greg Nagel. As he stood in line, ready to taste a cask beer from a particular brewery, he couldn’t help but wonder why more events didn’t feature this traditional brewing method. The line for the cask beer was long, filled with eager beer enthusiasts, and it sparked an idea in Nagel’s mind. “One of the breweries had a cask beer, and there was a line of about 50 people, just to get a taste of it,” Nagel explained. “I thought maybe we should have an all-cask beer festival. I think there is a lot of magic that can happen with events that are niche and different from every other beer festival.”

And so, in 2014, Nagel launched his own beer festival, Firkfest. This festival focused on showcasing cask-conditioned beer or “real” ale offerings from local breweries. The concept was inspired by how beer is traditionally served in the U.K., where the beer is transferred into a cask after it finishes fermenting. Nagel explained that there are two kinds of casks: the 5.4-gallon pin and the firken, a 10-gallon vessel that became the inspiration for the festival’s name.

Cask-conditioned beer undergoes a secondary fermentation in the barrel, and because it isn’t filtered, it retains live residual yeast and flavors when served. This unique brewing process gives cask beers the ability to change over time, developing different flavors and aromas. “The thing with cask beers is that it changes over time. It can get more nuanced, it develops different flavors or aromas, and it seems to change day to day if you are drinking from the same cask,” said Nagel.

In 2020, Firkfest was set to return for its seventh year, but unfortunately, the pandemic forced the event’s cancellation. However, the festival is making a grand comeback this year as the Firkenstein Craft Beer Festival. Taking place on October 7th from 4 to 8 p.m. at Anaheim’s Center Street Promenade, this year’s festival combines Halloween and Oktoberfest, two of Nagel’s favorite reasons to celebrate. Although no longer exclusively a cask-only festival, Nagel assures that every beer at the event will be special. “About half the brewers are bringing cask beers, and the other half are bringing a mix, but every beer is made just for the event,” he explained. “So it is a one-time opportunity to get something from your favorite brewery that you have never had before and you will probably never have again.”

Not only does Firkfest provide a unique beer experience, but it also gives back to the community. In previous years, the festival has donated its proceeds to charity, and this year is no different. The event will benefit the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, which is celebrating its 100th year this October. Nagel expressed his gratitude towards the volunteers and talented individuals who make these community events possible. “This is my way of giving back to something my family and I enjoy every year,” he said.

Firkenstein will bring together more than 30 participating breweries, including popular names like Green Cheek, Bottle Logic Brewing, and Riip Beer Co. To add to the festive atmosphere, attendees are encouraged to come in Halloween costumes. Delicious food options will be available from vendors like Tacos El Gringo, Windsor Brown, and a chili pop-up called Chili Doug. And of course, no Oktoberfest celebration is complete without bratwurst. Hoffy, a local sausage brand, is generously donating 120 pounds of brats and frankfurters for the event, which will be smoked and served hot by Villains Brewery.

Tickets for Firkenstein are now on sale at firkfest.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in unique, specially brewed beers while supporting a beloved community event. See you there!